But Sturridge, who reported for duty at St George's Park suffering with a thigh injury picked up in the latter stages of Sunday's win over Manchester United, was absent from the training ground again today.

Roy Hodgson will give Sturridge every chance to be fit but unless he is able to take a full part by Thursday he will not be risked against Moldovan and at this stage appears to be struggling for the trip to Kiev, with England due to fly to Ukraine on Sunday evening.

Sturridge was one of four players absent today, although there is less concern about the other three from the England camp.

And Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe and his former club-mate, Cardiff centre-half Steven Caulker, both underwent light work in the gym although they are expected to recover to take a fuller part tomorrow.